Top South African White Wine Values Under $20

As described in our recent Special Report on South African Value Wines, we recently evaluated over 175 South African wines imported to the US with a suggested retail price under $20. All of these wines provide a very enjoyable drinking experience at a reasonable price. However, some wines provide greater quality relative to price than others. In this article we identify the top South African white wines that provide exceptional value, meaning the ratio of quality to price is especially high. Among all white varieties, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay offer the greatest value. Interestingly, while South Africa does not produce much Riesling, the Paul Cluver Riesling is one of our top dozen South African wine values. As we discovered in our report on The Wines of South Africa, South Africa makes world class wines, and many of these wines, at all price points, offer exceptional value. While most consumers purchase wines priced under $20, we encourage our readers to also explore some of the delicious wines priced higher than that.

Our selection of the top South African white wine values priced under $20 are the following:

2 Responses to Top South African White Wine Values Under $20

very good list with some notable wines. I see that you have posted a picture of Warwick Wine Estate – but did not include our delicious, freely available – and well priced – Warwick 'The First Lady' Cabernet Sauvignon? Que?

I presume your comment is with respect to the top Red Wine Values. As you know, we gave the First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon a very positive rating in our Report # 30: The Wines of South Africa. Here’s the review:

Warwick 2009 The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon Western Cape ($16) 90 Warwick’s First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon has a dark ruby hue and aromas of black currant, minerals and loam. It is soft on the attack and elegant on the palate with light tannic grip. Nicely done.

The wine is clearly a very good value and very fairly priced. More importantly, we love drinking it.

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This blog offers brief articles and wine reviews for the i-WineReview community— members of the trade and discerning wine consumers around the world. It compliments our in-depth bi-monthly regional reports and wine review articles on www.i-winereview.com.